The Portland daily press., 1887-04-23
MR.. JOSEPH cHILBLUD.
London TRUTH

MI. CnllDluu-hr. Joseph CnllDluu you
will understand, not John, the happy, good
hearted Northumberland the breakfast
room on a chilly, autumnal morning, and
glanced critically at the ia BILE laid for the
morning meal. Yes, it was arranged as it
should be, and as Mr.. Chilblud always ex-
pected to find it,-spotless cloth and china,
the coffee urn bubbling and steaming, the
little silver spirit stove boiling the water
ready TO receive the eggs, napkins properly
folded, and finally the newspaper, ready cut
and aired, and spread across the arm of his
easy chair. Everything being satisfactory,
Mr.. Chilblud crossed over to the fire, and his
position on the hearth rug causing him to
front a mirror, he naturally glanced at his
reflection therein. A long, broad face, with
very neatly trimmed whiskers, no moustache
to hide the wide, thin lips, light, penetrating
eyes. an aqualine nose, and carefully brushed
dark hair, formed tout ensemble. which, to
one person at least, was altogether pleasing,
and that person was Joseph Chilblud. 1t
may be saiG with truth that Mr.. Chilblud en-
tertained very high opinion of himself,
both physically and morally, and it is equal
ly true that he had grounds for doing so.
Born in a somewhat humble position, he
had, by steady perseverance and determine
tion, raised himself gradually, until he held,
at the age of A. the post of inspector of ele-
mentary schools, with salary of between
9400 and $500 per annum And from boy
hood to manhood his life had been exempla-
ny, no temptations having had power to
move him from the paths of virtue. Wheth-
er this was due to the GOODNESS of his dispo-
sition or to the severe and extreme rectitude
Of his conduct is hard to say, but certain it is
that Mr.. Joseph Chilbud of 10 Propriety
square was deemed pattern in the quadru.
pie character Of husband, father, household
or and inspector. His marriage, too, had
been perfect as stroke of business and
proof of good TASTE for the lady whom he
honored with his hand was pretty, rich and
good tempered, and moreover she retained,
after seven years of matrimony, the same
respect for her husband and awe of his
stupendous talents that she had carried in
her fiuttering little heart to the altar.
Mr.. Chilblud was on the point of opening
his watch when Mrs Chilblud entered the
room. He replaced it in his pocket and took
his seat at the table, while his scrutinizlng
eye Involuntary turned to survey his wife's
gown. Observing that it was in her usual
correct taste, he gravely deposited the eggs
in the boiling water and placed his watch on
the table to mark the time.
Joseph" said Mrs. Chilblud, while the
meal was proceeding, 81 wish you would
look at Ethel before you go out; she seems
trife feverish.'
81 suppose she has been running and over
heating herself again." said the gentleman in
voice which was natural concomitant of
his whole person clear. cold, and searching
II told Sarah that for the next offense of the
sort she would receive her Dismissal; the
children must not be permitted to Overture
themselves with exercise"
mo; it is not that i am afraid it is Ethel's
own fault. She will try to learn Arthur's
lessons, though DR.. Sinclair, as you know,
strictly forbade her touching book for an
other year at least. He said, Give her plen-
ty of exercise and play, but no lessons until
she is FIVE and yet she knows the whole al
phabet, and can read little words!' Mrs.
Chilbluds face was a mixture of dismay and
maternal pride in her child's capacity.
"Do you use your authority in the matter,
my dear?"
81 endeavor to, but it is impossible to tell
how OF when she picks up her knowledge.
And she asks me such strange questions
sometimes / scarcely know how to answer
her."
Mr.. Chilblud pushed back his chair, and
took up his former position ON the hearth
rug-only with his back to the fire this time.
A little frown of uneasiness married the Gus
tomsry serenity of his aspect
Marian" he said, after heightened
pause, 1--WE shall have to be extremely care
full with Ethel. The child is preternaturally
quick, her brain powerp reponderates unduly
over the fragility Of heI body. She must be
kept back; as Sinclair says, nothing must be
allowed to excite the activity of the mind,
but every aid given to strengthen the deli
cate little frame. How is her appetite now? ?"
wonderfully good in fact, as q rule she
appears to be in very fair health. l some
times wonder if the constant surveillance we
exercise is not as harmful as allowing her to
learn what she can by herself"
my dear Marian in q case of this descrip-
tion medical man must be the judge; and
my own opinion entirely comedies with that
expressed by Sinclair We must not allow
Ethels intellect to be forced, or grave con-
sequences may ensue. With Arthur it is en-
tirely different He is of quiet. unexcita-
BILE, somewhat phlegmatic temperament, and
will plod steadily on without making par
ticularly brilliant show. think the wisest
course we can take is to send Ethel into the
country. 1t is, of course, impossible for me
to leave London just now, so that we cannot
remove the household; but we can send the
child to your sisters. The place is extreme
pleasant and healthy, there are little ones
near her own age, she would be out of doors
the greater pant of the day, and the food
fresh milk, eggs and fruits highly desira-
BILE. What do you say? Suppose you write
to Mrs. Cole, and we can talk the matter
over this evening"
But Jo-eph." interposed Mrs. Chilblud
anxiously, you do not think she is going tt
be ill?"
Certainly not" answered her husband, fl
his smooth, precise tone. ''only am grea
believer in the old adage, Prevention is bet
ter than cure, and with a child of Ethel
calibre one cannot be too ygilant and care
full. Now. my dear, we will have the chill
dren down for / must go in 10 minutes.
will try and see Sinclair later on to discus
our plans; in the meantime, let there be
truce to all lessons today; and could you no
invite the little Howlands over, and let then
all have a good romp together in the nursery
1t would do Ethel good"
"Well," said Miss Burton, in answer to til
uplifted hand
'Please, teacher, Tommy Carriers asleep!
Brought thus plainly under her notice, tn
teacher was compelled to see what she di
not wish to observe at the moment
Tommy Carter, come hereP and at tn
sound Of his name the boy sat up and rubbed
his eyes. "Why, Tommy. what is the mean
ing of this?" said Miss Burton in kin
voice, for the boy was one of her brightes
pupils, and she knew something about hi
home life. He was tall boy for his age.
little under seven GALL the children in Mis-
Buttons room were uu Ter severn, with
lace that might have been any fathers pride
such handsome, open countenance, in spit
of tts.griminess. and the thick locks of mat
ted, Hnkelnpt hair Shich fell over his brow
~'Please. teacher, L diGp't mean to go t
sheep, but Mor so tiredw